A Disguise and a Close Encounter
The following morning, Aelira found herself back at the grand corporate building, tasked with another food delivery for the same company. As she stood at the entrance, she patiently explained her purpose to the guards, who regarded her with wary eyes. Though she was dressed in simple, casual clothes—carefully put together with Nancy's help—she still stood out against the sea of suit-clad professionals streaming in and out of the building.
Just as she was about to enter, a familiar voice startled her. Arthur had arrived at the office entrance, his sharp gaze locking onto her. He frowned, his expression stern and displeased. "Why are you letting delivery workers like her inside?" he asked the security guards, his tone curt and unimpressed.
Aelira felt a pang of embarrassment, but also an unexpected flicker of irritation. With a quick glance around to ensure no one was paying close attention, she subtly used her suggestion power to convince the guards to let her pass. Their attitudes shifted instantly, and they nodded in agreement, allowing her through. Aelira walked inside with a slight smile, catching Arthur's baffled expression as she disappeared from his view.
Later that day, another delivery request came in from the same company, but this time it was a special order placed by Arthur's younger brother, Astron. Arriving at the office again, Aelira was greeted by a young man with messy hair and a frustrated look on his face. Introducing himself as Astron, he quickly explained his dilemma.
"My brother, Arthur, seems convinced that I should spend my time here doing something 'creative' like drawing," Astron grumbled. "I mentioned it once, years ago, and now he thinks I'm some kind of artist. The truth is, I'd rather be doing anything else. Can you help me get out of here for a while?"
Always willing to help, Aelira nodded. Following Astron's instructions, she donned a hoodie and a baseball cap he handed her, completing the disguise. She sat at his desk, pretending to be engrossed in sketching while Astron quietly slipped out of the office.
Minutes later, Arthur entered the room, checking to see if his brother was truly focused on his so-called creative work. Aelira kept her head down, doodling random shapes on a piece of paper, sensing Arthur's growing suspicion as his eyes narrowed. Slowly, he moved closer, his gaze fixed on her.
In a bold move, Arthur reached out and tapped her shoulder. Startled, Aelira looked up, locking eyes with him for just a moment before realizing her cover was blown. Arthur's expression shifted from surprise to confusion as recognition dawned on him.
Without missing a beat, Aelira grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the door, quickly muttering, "Sorry, but I need to go!" Her heart raced as she led him out of the room, frantically trying to come up with a way to escape.
In one swift move, she slipped out of his grasp, darted down the hallway, and teleported to a safe distance outside the building. Her pulse pounded in her ears, not just from the close call, but from the undeniable thrill of being so close to Arthur once again. She couldn't shake the feeling that their lives were becoming more and more intertwined, and she wondered how long she could keep her true identity hidden from him.
Meanwhile, Arthur stood frozen in the hallway, thoroughly bewildered by the mysterious delivery girl who seemed to appear and vanish at the most unexpected moments.